Have to disagree on this one (at least in part) even if I see your point.

To sell an unlicensed game you need a loyal customer base. This is doable for JJP - even for Stern with Whoa Nelly! -. Jpop could count on his reputation to sell games. Others can't.

On the other hand, if you compare AMH to Predator, it was fairly easy for Skit-B to reach 250 preorders, much harder for Spooky to sell 150 games. To be honest, that is not the only reason as prices were different and timing played a role. Not asking which company will be the first to ship all its games... we all know the answer.

A good licence theme is one:
- with good artwork potential (Heighway would have a hard time missing "Aliens"!)
- with a fair overlap with the pinhead community.

Unsure if many non pinheads are ready to spend $5-9k on a toy even if that's their dream theme.

24 years for me. I now have a comfortable couch

Agreed, but it's better not to have Star Trek because of a future pin (TH) than because of a non-existing pin (Predator). I am in the later category. Tell me about regrets for not having Star Trek at home...